Ep. 21: Jennine and Kristen on the power of visibility after 40
Release Date: 09/02/2025
Closet Philosophy
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Ep. 24: Exploring beauty, aging, and authenticity In this episode of Closet Philosophy, Jennine and Kristen dive deep into the complicated relationship between beauty standards, aging, and authenticity. The conversation weaves together personal stories, cultural analysis, and feminist perspectives to unpack the pressures women face to look younger, thinner, or more polished—and the freedom that can come from rejecting those expectations. From hair extensions and Botox to the social media anti-aging industrial complex, the hosts examine how personal choices intersect with social norms,...
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In this episode of Closet Philosophy, hosts Jennine and Kristen sit down with Denise Pines, an influential filmmaker and leader in the effort to normalize conversations about perimenopause and menopause. She’s a Peabody-winning filmmaker, health advocate, founder of Tea Botanics and WisePause Wellness, and president of the Osteopathic Medical Board of California. Together, they unravel the cultural silence around menopause and perimenopause, discuss Denise’s influential documentaries (The M Factor and upcoming Before the Pause, and explore how personal style, society, and women's...
info_outlineJennine and Kristen dive deep into the complex experience of visibility for women as they age, sharing candid stories and discussing cultural, psychological, and societal shifts that impact self-expression and confidence beyond 40. This episode explores the challenges women face in retaining visibility, feeling confident, and expressing authentic style, offering hope and actionable insights for listeners.
Key Topics:
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The first personal experiences of feeling invisible: Jennine and Kristen recount moments in retail and influencer settings where age influenced how they were treated.
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The myth that women’s value revolves around youth and male attention, and the shifting priorities toward self-authenticity in later years.
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Statistics from a menopause and aging study: Over two-thirds of women over 45 feel ignored by men in public spaces, and many cite issues like graying hair and access to fashionable clothing as confidence barriers.
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The challenge and power of speaking up: Including an incident at a coffee shop that went viral, and how fear of being labeled a "Karen" hinders self-advocacy for older women.
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Personal style as visibility: Discussion of how style can be a tool for self-expression and why hiding in “invisible” clothing is a missed opportunity during the most powerful years of women’s lives.
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Erasure of older women in media and fashion, contrasted with real examples of powerful, stylish women over 50, and how Hollywood continues to favor male experience at the expense of older female visibility.
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Breaking stereotypes: Examples from film, fashion, and real life illustrating authenticity, confidence, and visibility for women at any age.
Quotes to Remember:
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“Women want to be seen for who they are now—not as a younger version of themselves.”
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“Visibility is not just about being seen by men; it’s about being recognized and respected in your own right.”
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“Now is the time to figure out what visibility means and how to pursue it with intention.”
Call to Action:
How do you want to be visible? Share your story with us—we want to hear from listeners! Drop a comment or get in touch to join the conversation on confidence, style, and living authentically at every age.